Immunotherapy for children's cancers

Immunotherapy drugs target specific cancer cells.

For example, rituximab (Mabthera®)| is a treatment used to treat some types of lymphoma. It attaches itself to a particular protein on the cancer cell and triggers the body’s own immune system to attack and destroy the cancer cells. Because it targets specific cells, other parts of the body are not affected and the side effects are usually mild.

Imatinib (Glivec®)| is another drug that’s mostly used to treat a particular form of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia| and occasionally some other types of cancer. It works by blocking signals within cancer cells and preventing a series of chemical reactions that cause the cells to grow and divide.

The information about children’s cancer was written by the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG).| It has been reviewed and edited by their publications committee, which includes medical experts from all fields of children’s cancer and care.

Macmillan sites

Bookmark this page

Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ.